Fujifilm’s X-T2 will lure more DSLR shooters to mirrorless

Fujifilm has outed the X-T2, its latest high-end camera, and one which looks like it will have even more DSLR-shooters moving to the mirrorless side. The new camera boasts the same retro looks as the X-T1, but comes packed with even more mod cons including a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, 4K video recording and substantially improved autofocus.

At the heart of the Fujifilm X-T2 is a 24.3-megapixel APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm) X-Trans CMOS III sensor. This is the same as that used in the X-Pro2, and is again paired with a X-Processor Pro image processing engine to keep things zippy and deliver high quality images. This is said to produce outstanding color reproduction, while various film simulation modes are on hand to easily replicate the look of your favorite film photos from days gone by.

Despite the jump in resolution (the X-T1 was only 16-megapixel) Fujifilm says the new camera will still produce images with low noise. It has a top native ISO setting of 12,800, though can be extended to ISO 51,200 for those times when needs dictate. It can also shoot at 8 fps (frames per second), but this is increased to 11 fps if using the optional VPB-XT2 vertical battery grip. There's also a 14 fps shooting if opting to use the electronic shutter rather than the mechanical one.

Autofocus on the X-T2 offers improved performance over previous models, is said to be significantly faster at locking onto a subject, and could now rival many DSLRs. It boasts an Intelligent Hybrid AF system with 325 AF points, and an expanded phase detection area of 91 points. New AF-C focus settings allow you to tinker with the X-T2 to suit your subject by adjusting tracking sensitivity, speed and zone areas. This is similar to settings on cameras like the Canon EOS 1D X Mark II, and should increase your number of keepers, especially when shooting action.

Another big first for the X-Series is the addition of 4K video recording, translating to 3840 x 2160 at 30/25/24 fps (at Full HD 1080p the frame rates go up to 60 fps). But it's not only the extra resolution which shows Fujifilm is finally getting serious about video. The X-T2 also has a microphone input, clean HDMI output, and can shoot with log gamma "F-Log" for a wider dynamic range. However, if you don't want to get your head around this, but still want nice looking colors in your clips, the film simulation modes can also be applied to video.

The Fujifilm X-T2 looks set to be a solid and robust device with a magnesium alloy body and 63 weather-sealed points, meaning it isn't just a fair weather shooter. The camera measures 132.5 x 91.8 x 49.2 mm (5.2 x 3.6 x 1.9 in) and weighs 507 g (17.8 oz) with a battery and memory card, but without an X-mount lens attached. Chunkier, and locking, top dials also mean you'll be less likely to accidentally change settings while shooting.

On the rear is a 2.36-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder which offers speedy refresh rates of 60 or 100 fps to keep things looking smooth. The blackout time (where the EVF goes black when shooting an image) has also been reduced to less than half that of the previous model, making it easier to shoot fast moving subjects. There's a three-direction tilting 3-inch LCD monitor with 1.62 millions dots, too, and a new button layout including a focus lever for easily adjusting focus points.

In news which will please professionals, the X mount X-T2 now features dual SD card slots, meaning you can set the camera to shoot to them sequentially, as a backup, or to separate different types of file. Built-in Wi-Fi means its easy to share images or even shoot remotely.

It's worth noting that in addition to the increased continuous shooting speed, the VPB-XT2 vertical battery grip, can bring with it a number of other improvements. These include upping the number of shots from 340 to 1,000 thanks to its two extra batteries, and adding extra control buttons and a headphone jack. Via a boost mode, it also reduces shutter lag, blackout time, and extends the individual video shooting time (from 10 minutes in 4K and 15 minutes in Full HD) to 30 minutes.

The Fujifilm X-T2 will be available in September priced at US$1,600 body-only, or $1,900 with a XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS lens. The optional VPB-XT2 vertical battery grip, will cost $330.